Zenith Sprint Cup in 2027
Zenith Sprint Cup will be offered at every race weekend on the 2027 calendar, providing teams and drivers with a dedicated shorter-format Zenith racing program at events across the country. Teams may compete exclusively in Sprint Cup, select individual events, or combine Sprint Cup with an Endurance entry during the same weekend for maximal track time.
What is included in a Sprint Cup weekend?
Over two hours of practice and qualifying
On 6H+6H ZRS Endurance weekends: Three 30 to 40-minute races
On 12H ZRS Endurance weekends: Four 30 to 40-minute races
This discipline combines substantial sprint track time (over 4.5 hours!) with the operational infrastructure of a complete Zenith event and access to the Series’ national calendar.
Why is the Sprint Cup format different?
Zenith Sprint Cup provides three to four full races with substantial practice and qualifying time - making full championship involvement total 20+ hours of wheel-to-wheel racing.
Competitors receive an accessible, shorter-format racing option while existing within the same event infrastructure used for Zenith Endurance competition.
Weekend schedules will allow teams to use the same car in both Sprint Cup and the Endurance event if desired. This gives teams the flexibility to create additional driving opportunities or build a combined Sprint and Endurance program around one vehicle.
Does a SPRINT team need to enter the endurance race?
No — Sprint Cup may be entered as a standalone competition program.
Teams may pursue the complete Sprint Cup season, compete at selected events, or combine Sprint Cup with Endurance racing.
Can one car compete in Sprint Cup and endurance racing?
Yes — Weekend schedules are structured so the same vehicle can participate in both Sprint Cup and the Endurance event.
A team may share the car among multiple drivers, give an endurance driver additional race time, or build a combined Sprint and Endurance program around one vehicle.
Will teams receive time to prepare a shared Sprint Cup and endurance car?
Yes — The weekend schedules are structured to allow one vehicle to participate in both formats. Event schedules will identify the available service and turnaround periods between sessions.
Will Sprint Cup have an individual driver championship?
Yes — Points earned in each race will count toward the individual driver championship.
Will Sprint Cup have an entrant championship?
Yes — The entrant championship is intended for teams that want to share one Sprint Cup car among multiple drivers.
Points earned by each driver in the registered vehicle will be combined toward one entrant championship total. This allows a team to rotate drivers while continuing to compete for a championship associated with the entry.
Can multiple drivers share one Sprint Cup car during a weekend?
Yes — The 2027 Sporting Regulations and 2027 Championship Award Terms will explain driver assignments, session participation, and how points are credited when multiple drivers share one entry.
Does SPRINT CUP use a SPEC tire?
No — Zenith will continue its open tire policy rather than requiring competitors to use one designated tire supplier.
What is the Sprint Cup tire allocation?
For ZP1 and ZR1, each Sprint Cup entry will be permitted:
For events with one qualifying and three sprint races (est. 135 minutes of qualifying/race time): Permitted two sets of wet weather tires and two sets of dry weather tires.
For events with two qualifying sessions and four sprint races (est. 190 minutes of qualifying/race time): Permitted two sets of wet weather tires and two sets of dry weather tires will be permitted.
For all other classes, regardless of weekend format, permitted one set of wet weather tires and one set of dry weather tires.
Can a damaged tire be replaced?
Replacement procedures for punctures, verified damage, or safety concerns will be included in the Sporting Regulations.
When will registration open?
Registration is expected to open Fall 2026.
Can one vehicle be registered for Sprint Cup and endurance racing?
Yes — The registration process will allow teams to identify a combined Sprint Cup and endurance entry.
Can teams enter selected events?
Event-based participation will be available under the final registration rules.
Who can help with Sprint Cup questions?
Please direct any questions to:
Emma Adams — ZRS Series Manager
emma@zenithracingseries.com
Statements in this FAQ are provisional/estimated.